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On May 5th, the Government of National Accord’s (GNA) Turkish-backed forces began a renewed push for al-Watiya airbase, southwest of Tripoli.
The fighting for Tripoli is currently simmering, with very little activity, and it appears that the fighting is currently focused on al-Watiya.
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A Turkish drone strike reportedly killed a LNA commander – Osama Amsek, he was the commander of the al-Watiya airbase.
Libye: Oussama Amsek, le commandant pro-Haftar de la base aérienne de Watiyah a été tué par une frappe de drone TB-2. pic.twitter.com/7tR9msbLo5
— Restitutor Orientis (@RestitutorOrien) May 5, 2020
Libya:
Turkey back GNA force Toward Al-Watiyah pic.twitter.com/vU3CJLTh7i
— Gohar Nawaz Khan (@goharkhan47) May 5, 2020
There’s a large number of videos and photographs showing the GNA’s forces approaching al-Watiya.
Libya:
Turkey back GNA fighters around Al Watiyah pic.twitter.com/XwNUj8NPd4
— Gohar Nawaz Khan (@goharkhan47) May 5, 2020
The clashes began several kilometers away from al-Watiya, but the Libyan National Army withdrew inside the base, and the GNA began shelling positions while approaching.
قصف صاروخي للجيش على مواقع بقاعدة الوطية الجوية وقواتنا الان تبعد على قاعدة الوطية الجوية 10km.#البركان_ينتصر
— عماد فتحي E.Fathi (@emad_badish) May 5, 2020
In response Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s forces responded by shelling and airstriking the GNA column moving towards the airbase.
مقاتلات سلاح الجو تشن #أكثر من #10غارات قوية حتى #الآن بددت فيها بعض قوات معاتيه أنقرة #المهاجمة على الوطية ومثلها قوة في أبوقرين .???
— غصة الخوارج (@LiBya_73) May 5, 2020
The GNA reportedly captured the entrance point to al-Watiya airbase, with the LNA targeting GNA vehicles in the vicinity of the base.
أثناء فرار مليشيات السراج من محيط قاعدة الوطية تحت ضربات سلاح الجو ومدفعية الجيش الليبي وتدمير عدد من الآليات .#ليبيا #libya pic.twitter.com/G6mSgi9Ihg
— محمد الجالي (@hamoalgali) May 5, 2020
The heavy clashes, shelling for both sides, Turkish UAVs carrying out strikes, and still the LNA held.
The GNA forces withdrew, likely temporary before they renew the push.
After a big, multi-hour attack by the #GNA ground forces & #Turkish drones was attempted on #Wattiyah Airbase, the #GNA stepped back (probably temporarily).
The event above being immediately conveyed by #Emirati media attests to the strategic & symbolic importance of the airbase https://t.co/8k44B8FKTV
— Jalel Harchaoui (@JMJalel_H) May 5, 2020
Meanwhile, several locations around Libya announced that they were cutting ties with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and joining the side of the GNA.
And it’s the turn of #Ghat (on #Algerian borders) to join southern towns of #Ubari, #Sabha & #Murzuq in revolting against #Hafter & supporting #GNA – Statement#Turkey #Haftar #EU #UAE #Watiya #Tarhuna#ليبيا #الوطية #أوباري #غات #حفتر #أوروبا #نركيا #الإمارات pic.twitter.com/cHIihle911
— Mourad Teyeb (@MouradTeyeb) May 4, 2020
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